Statistics quoted in the latest weekly online newsletter penned by Citrus Growers’ Association CEO Justin Chadwick bring into sharp focus the detrimental effect of trade wars – in this instance on US export volumes.
In 2018 China imported 4.86 million tons of produce (a 26% increase over 2017) valued at US$6.95 billion (a 36% increase). In value terms, says Chadwick, the leaders were Chile (US$ 1.68 billion – 68% increase), Thailand (US$1.67 billion - 67% increase), Philippines ($0.73 billion - 42% increase), Vietnam ($0.72 billion - 12% increase) and New Zealand ($0.44 billion - 25% increase). South Africa exported fresh produce valued at $0.23 billion – an 8% increase. Conversely, the USA exported $0.27 billion - a decrease of 21%.
Cherries were the biggest sector at US$1.3 billion (a 69% increase), followed by Durian ($1.1 billion – an increase of 98%). Bananas were valued at $0.9 billion - increasing by 54%, while table grapes fell 0.3% to $0.59 billion. Orange imports were $0.44 billion - a 14% increase over 2017.
